Curated News
By: NewsRamp Editorial Staff
August 26, 2025
Construction Couple Builds Maryland's Largest Alpaca Agritourism Empire
TLDR
- Black Barn Alpacas demonstrates how agritourism diversifies revenue with retail, events, and educational programs for sustainable business growth.
- The farm operates through seasonal events, alpaca fiber production, and educational tours on its 50-acre Maryland property.
- Black Barn Alpacas promotes sustainable agriculture, animal welfare, and community connections for a better environmental future.
- Alpacas provide hypoallergenic fiber and calm interactions, making farm visits both educational and relaxing for all ages.
Impact - Why it Matters
This story matters because it demonstrates how sustainable agriculture and ethical animal farming can create successful business models while addressing environmental concerns. The shift from traditional livestock to alpaca farming represents a more eco-friendly approach to agriculture that requires fewer resources and produces superior natural fibers. For consumers, it offers access to sustainable products and educational experiences that connect people with nature while supporting local economies. The farm's challenge to PETA's stance on alpaca farming raises important questions about balancing animal welfare with practical agricultural needs, and their vision for domestic manufacturing could create American jobs while reducing environmental impact from synthetic textiles and overseas production.
Summary
Former construction entrepreneurs Yussy and Travis McManus have transformed their careers by creating Black Barn Alpacas, Maryland's largest alpaca operation that has evolved into a major agritourism destination. What began as a sustainable agriculture venture with 20 alpacas in Texas has grown into a 150-animal operation that attracted over 20,000 visitors to its inaugural fall festival, thanks in part to media coverage from the Texas TV show "YOLO TX." The couple's unexpected success in agritourism led them to relocate to Maryland for better animal welfare conditions, where they now operate a 50-acre farm offering diverse experiences including educational programs, wellness offerings, and seasonal events.
The farm's operations center around the remarkable properties of alpaca fiber, which is hypoallergenic, antimicrobial, and thermoregulating while requiring fewer resources than traditional livestock. Black Barn Alpacas has developed multiple revenue streams including retail products, educational programs addressing teen anxiety from social media and Gen Z student disengagement, corporate retreats, and specialized events. The farm has become deeply embedded in the local community, sourcing from local producers and participating in regional agritourism programs while maintaining exceptional animal welfare standards and customer experiences.
Beyond their immediate success, the McManus' envision transforming American agriculture by promoting sustainable alpaca farming as an ethical alternative to traditional livestock. They challenge PETA's campaign against alpaca products by emphasizing the medical necessity of annual shearing and the environmental benefits of natural fibers over synthetic alternatives. Their broader vision includes creating a domestic manufacturing industry for alpaca products, reducing overseas processing, and establishing a network of sustainable farms across America that prioritize animal welfare, environmental responsibility, and community connection.
Source Statement
This curated news summary relied on content disributed by citybiz. Read the original source here, Construction Couple Builds Maryland's Largest Alpaca Agritourism Empire
